Conductive multi-layer polymer catheter for active implantable medical device leads and extensions

Abstract

An active implantable medical device (AIMD) lead implanted into a patient's body may include at least one conductive filer electrically coupled to a distal electrode and a polymer jacket for insulating the conductive filer. A conductive multi-layer polymer catheter may be disposed around an outside of the insulating polymer jacket to reduce, or entirely eliminate, the conductive filer's exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A conductive multi-layer polymer catheter, comprising:
 a lead having at least one conductive filer electrically coupled to a distal electrode and surrounded by at least one insulating jacket, 
 an outer conductive polymer layer positioned outside the at least one insulating jacket and configured to contact a body tissue of a patient once implanted; 
 an inner conductive polymer layer that can be positioned around and outside the at least one insulating jacket surrounding the at least one conductive filer electrically coupled to the distal electrode; and 
 an insulating polymer layer positioned around and outside the inner conductive polymer layer, the insulating polymer layer being positioned within the outer conductive polymer layer, wherein the inner conductive polymer layer, the insulating polymer layer, and the outer conductive polymer layer cooperate to distribute electromagnetic radiation from external sources along at least a portion of a length of the lead of the active implantable medical device, wherein the inner conductive polymer layer, the insulating polymer layer, and the outer conductive polymer layer are slotted lengthwise such that the conductive multi-layer polymer catheter is retrofittable in-situ to a lead of an active implantable medical device or its extension.